News

June 2017

Retired Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Michael Tedford - a US Family Health Plan member through Johns Hopkins - talks about his family's experiences getting access to quality healthcare when they needed it most. Click here to view his views on US Family Health Plan.

May 2017

Dr. David Howes discusses the benefits of the US Family Health Plan's population-based approach
in guiding preventive health care for military families and retirees. Click here to watch the video interview.

March 2017

Pacific Medical Centers has been awarded the Gold Award in the 2017 Leaders in Health Care Awards: Achievement in Community Outreach.

We invite you to read the details as reported in the Seattle Business Magazine, March 2017

January 2017

Changes to premiums affecting TRICARE for Young Adults (TYA)

TRICARE Young Adult Monthly Premiums

To participate, you must pay monthly premiums. TRICARE Young Adult premium rates from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017 are:

January 2017

GySgt Natalie Poole is among nearly 150,000 US Family Health Plan members nationwide
who enjoy access to quality healthcare with top-rated patient satisfaction through six
regional member organizations offering TRICARE Prime benefits.

January 2017

A U.S. Army family joining US Family Health Plan just in time for a planned home birth. After more than a decade of life as a U.S. Army family, Faith and Aris Comeaux know a thing or two about process and planning. Click to learn more about their story...

October 2016

USFHP: Day of the Deployed - We've got your back

October 26, 2016 is National Day of the Deployed, and the US Family Health Plan Alliance honors all those who are currently or have been deployed in defense of the United States.

September/October 2016

September 23, 2016

On September 2, 2016 the Department of Defense published a final rule on Mental Health And Substance Use Disorder Treatment. This rule removes administrative barriers and improves access to Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder treatment for TRICARE beneficiaries.

Beginning, October 3, 2016, outpatient and in-patient benefit limitations will be eliminated for mental health and substance use disorder. In addition, the behavioral health outpatient and inpatient copayments will change to mirror the office visits or hospitalization copayments for any other illness.

Active duty family members have no copayment for these services. Copayments for retiree and their dependents will convert as follows:

Individual and group outpatient mental health visits will change to the office visit copayment of $12/visit

Partial hospitalization for mental health and substance use treatment will change to $12/day copayment

Inpatient hospitalization for mental health and substance will change to the hospital copayment of $11/day with a minimum of $25 per admission.

The USFHP member handbook is being updated to reflect this change. Check back on this site to see when the updated handbook will be available to download.

If you would like a copy mailed to you when it is available or if you have any questions about these changes, please call Member Services at 800-855-5883, option 2.

Thank you

US Family Health Plan

September 2016

The Doctors Group (TDC) is now part of the Franciscan Medical Group. USFHP members have more healthcare options in Kitsap County.Read more.

August 2016

Members can self-refer to any participating TRICARE provider for their routine annual mammogram and eye-exam

We have great news to share. Effective immediately, members can now self-refer to any
participating TRICARE provider for annual mammograms and routine annual eye exams. It is
the member’s responsibility to confirm the provider’s acceptance of TRICARE reimbursement.

If a medical problem requiring treatment or tests is identified during the course of this exam,
an authorization must be obtained from the PCP. As a managed care organization, all referral
authorizations are directed to USFHP network providers. Members should contact our Member Services department at 800-585-5883, option 2, if they have any questions.

May 2016

Update to the US Family Health Plan Alliance brief to Senate staff on March 17, 2016

Want to know how we deliver quality healthcare and high patient satisfaction through the US Family Health Plan Alliance, a unique care model serving more than 145,000 military family and retirees beneficiaries nationwide? Watch this highlights video from our visit to the U.S. Senate.

May 2016

Our network is growing..

We would like to welcome Whidbey General Hospital and its clinics to our network. They joined us on January 1, 2016 and have clinics in Clinton, Freeland, and Oak Harbor. The WGH hospital is loicated in Coupeville.

In April, the Peninsula Community Health Services medical group joined our network. They ahve four clinics on the Kitsap Peninsula with locations in Bremerton, Port Orchard, and Poulbso.

In May, beneficiaries on Whidbey Island welcome the addition of the Pediatric Associates of Whidbey Island clinic, located in Oak Harbor.

Please use our search tools located on the main page under Primary Care and Clinics to find your provider.

March 2016

United States Senate staff had an opportunity to learn first-hand about the best in care, quality and patient satisfaction for military families and veterans last week at a briefing on the US Family Health Plan.

Linda Marzano, CEO of Seattle-based Pacific Medical Centers and US Family Health Plan Alliance's board of directors speaks to Senate staff on March 17, in the Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C.

Part of the Military Health System since 1981, the US Family Health Plan provides the TRICARE Prime benefit through six non-profit regional health care provider organizations that serve military families and veterans with quality coordinated care and best-in-class patient satisfaction. The briefing was hosted by Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Barbara Mikulski (D-Maryland), who represent states in which US Family Health Plan member providers Martin's Point HealthCare and Johns Hopkins Health Care operate.

“The US Family Health Plan is an amazing health plan,” said Linda Marzano, chair of the US Family Health Plan Alliance’s board of directors and CEO of Seattle-based Pacific Medical Centers. “We offer high-quality care and high patient satisfaction for all of our beneficiaries. Our vision is to really simplify healthcare for everyone.” "Serving the families that have served our country is our highest priority,” added Jeff Bloom, Senior Vice President at St. Vincent’s Catholic Medical Centers of New York. “We believe establishing a strong culture of compassion improves quality of care, and we take pride in delivering exceptional healthcare benefits to all our members.”

Unique among TRICARE programs, the US Family Health Plan provider organizations serve more than 145,000 beneficiaries through fixed price contracts and using a capitated care model. David Chicoine, senior Vice President and plan CEO for Brighton Marine Health Center, the US Family Health Plan provider in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, explained how care capitation allows for greater focus on disease prevention, wellness programs and improved care access for beneficiaries.

“The US Family Health Plan is the only fully at-risk managed care plan that the Department of Defense offers,” he said. “What that means is the government pays the programs a fixed annual premium for each member who enrolls in the health plan. Transferring the risk to deliver all of the healthcare to us compels us to create an environment in which patient engagement
and effective access to care is optimized. We are responsible for providing all of their care, regardless of what they need.”

Retired Col. William E. Hall, USAF, speaks with an Aide to Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), following the US Family Health Plan briefing on March 17, 2016

Staffers representing 16 different U.S. Senate offices heard compelling testimony from service members who have entrusted the US Family Health Plan with their health care.

Retired U.S. Air Force chief master sergeants Michael Tedford, a Johns Hopkins beneficiary, and Charles Halsted, a Martin’s Point beneficiary, shared examples of their families’ positive experiences with the US Family Health Plan. “One of the big focuses on care mimics the old cliché – an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That approach seems inculcated into the culture of the plan,” said Tedford, who retired after a 30-year career that included stints on the aircrew of Air Force One. “Over the years, I’ve been able to share my experiences with a bunch of fellow military retirees, and a lot of them have signed up for the [US Family Health Plan] and have had pretty much the same positive experiences that I’ve had.”

Chief Halsted offered a deeply personal story about the quality care his wife received. “My beautiful wife is a constant gardener,” Halstead said. “She’s highly susceptible to skin cancer, and like me she wears heavy glasses. In the last two years, she’s had a problem with one eye, which required cataract surgery, and in this last year, she had a case of skin cancer near the eye.
Martin’s Point jumped right into it, arranged for all the tests, surgeries and post-op work that had to be done. I don’t know what more you can ask from a care provider. It means that I can be assured of her care and my care through my extended life, and I plan to push it hard. It means that I have people I can go to, and I’ll tell you how important that is.”

Mary Cooke, Vice President of the Johns Hopkins US Family Health Plan program, discussed how the privilege of working with Plan beneficiaries also benefits civilian hospitals. “The civilian healthcare community has learned so much from the military community,” she said. “We are honored to be part of the Military Health System. With that privilege comes responsibility, and look at our beneficiaries – how can you not love them? This partnership is magic, and it’s kind of a two-way street: we always raise the bar for each other, and I think the closer we can work together, the better we can serve our common military community.”

Chief Halsted left attendees at the close of the briefing with a ringing endorsement of the US Family Health Plan. “I can’t emphasize to you enough the importance of quality care for people who have stepped forward for our country,” he said. “As Mike [Chief Tedford] said, it’s keeping a promise we gave those people when they put their hand up. To think that some people in our Government would start to tweak this operation to make a buck...if that is what it comes down to, it’s a travesty. You have to support this type of operation. These people are really doing a great service.”

February 2016

New form provided for 2015 federal taxes

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandates that all Americans must have access to basic
health insurance. Coverage compliance is reported to the IRS and noncompliance
can result in IRS penalties. TRICARE and all plans offered by the FEHB program
meet the ACA standards for minimum essential coverage. Defense Department civilian
and military personnel will begin receiving IRS Form 1095 to help them complete
health coverage questions on their 2015 federal tax returns.

Service members will receive an IRS Form 1095-B or 1095-C for their TRICARE coverage.
Military retirees and annuitants will get Form 1095-B. DoD civilians will receive a
Form 1095-C from their Pay Center and a 1095-B from their Federal Employee Health Benefit
carrier if they purchased FEHBP coverage during 2015.

It’s expected Continued Health Care Benefit Program enrollees will receive their
1095-B forms from Humana. Additionally, DoD employees who use their spouse’s
nongovernment health insurance coverage should check with their spouse’s health
insurance carrier about receiving their 1095. Taxpayers should review their 1095 forms
for accuracy before filing their federal taxes. Any incorrect information for filers
and their family members, such as home addresses and SSN, should be reported to MyPay,
the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, personnel offices and the Defense Enrollment
Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).

Service members who plan to separate from the military in the next year – but not retire –
will be responsible for signing up for coverage, particularly if their new employer does
not offer health care insurance. Those who lose TRICARE or FEHBP coverage can evaluate
their post-DoD health care options via www.healthcare.gov.

January 2016

TRICARE announces increase for pharmacy co-payments on February 1, 2016

On February 1, 2016, a change in co-payments for military health plans will take effect. All military
health plans will see this change occur. The co-payments for generic medications via mail-order pharmacy will remain unchanged at $0—free. However, all other co-pays will increase.
The new co-payments are listed in the chart below:

Co-Pay Tier

Pharmacy

Cost Rx per Fill

Estimated Cost per Year

Tier 1

Formulary Generics

Mail-Order

Free

Free

Local

$ 10

$ 120

Tier 2

Formulary Brands

Mail-Order

$ 20

$ 80

Local

$ 24

$ 288

Tier 3

Non-Formulary Brands

Prescriptions filled at mail order will have lower copays than those picked up locally! If you are not using mail-order, call MAXOR customer service toll free at 866-408-2459 to learn how to move your your prescriptions over. Click here to learn more about the MAXOR Mail-Order Pharmacy program.

December 2015

Attention US Family Health Plan Members:

Recently TRICARE announced a change requiring TRICARE members to fill long-term brand medications at mail order. This change does not apply to US Family Health Plan Members.

Although you can save money by using the Maxor Mail Order program, the USFHP retail pharmacy network remains available to you. If The Defense Health Agency (DHA) decides in the future to apply a similar change to USFHP, we will let you know.

Thank you for trusting your health care to US Family Health Plan

November 2015

If you're a TRICARE beneficiary with an opinion on your military health benefits, the
Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) wants to hear from you. Anticipating an effort
by Congress next year to launch an overhaul of the military health system, MOAA is asking
service members, spouses, retirees and family members who use TRICARE to weigh in on its survey.

MOAA's short Q&A asks beneficiaries a range of questions about how satisfied they are with access
to appointments, their ability to choose doctors, their health care costs and more. MOAA officials say they created the survey to prepare baseline data on military beneficiaries' satisfaction with their health care.

The survey is open to active-duty troops, reserve and National Guard members, working-age retirees, Medicare-eligible retirees, family members and survivors. The House and Senate Armed Services Committees have signaled an intent to launch a "a major oversight and reform effort” of the military health care system in the weeks leading up to, and after, the upcoming holiday recess. The House and Senate this year passed legislation to overhaul the military retirement system, the defense acquisition process and other programs, but congressional leaders said they wanted to defer military health reform until 2016 in order to first complete a full review of the current program and its benefits.

November 2015

The current monthly premium is $208. This will go up to $306 per month for TYA Prime/USFHP.

The increase is due to the requirement in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2011 that TRICARE set
TYA premiums to cover the full cost of health care received by the program’s beneficiaries. For the first time
since TRICARE Young Adult (TYA) started, the government now has data on how much it spent on care for TYA members. The premiums are adjusted on an annual basis.

US Family Health Plan offers robust and competitive coverage for young adults. However, young adults may want to explore other health care options and enroll in the plan best suited for their needs. Other health care options include:

Your TYA/USFHP coverage is the equivalent of a Platinum level Plan offered on the WA Health Benefit Exchange, but lower cost plans and assistance with paying premiums may be available through the exchange. Also, you may be able to qualify for no-cost coverage under Medicaid if you are no longer a dependent. If after comparing plans you decide to acquire a plan through the exchange, call us at 1-800-585-5883 to end your TYA/USFHP coverage in DEERS.

Your USFHP coverage must end before your new coverage starts. This is the only way for you to obtain premium assistance.The open enrollment period for the exchange runs from November 1, 2015 through January 31, 2016.

If you wish to continue your TYA coverage with US Family Health Plan, there is no action required of you at this time. USFHP will automatically adjust your monthly payment amount effective January 2016.

We want to make sure you have all the facts now to make the best decision possible, based on your needs and circumstances, during the enrollment period.

(Click on blue header above to access the TRICARE web site)

November 2015

USFHP at PacMed ads another option for Moms to obtain breast pumps. Interested members can order the following breastpumps via mail order at Edgepark Medical Supplies:

Beneficiary type

Annual

Quarterly

Monthly

Individual Enrollee

$ 282.60

$ 70.65

$ 23.55

2+ Enrollees

$ 565.20

$ 141.30

$ 47.10

There are two categories of retired beneficiaries that are exempt from paying the FY 2016 fee amounts:
(1) Fees for curently enrolled members of Active Duty deceased Sponsors, and Uniformed Services Medically Retired members and their dependents remain "frozen" at their current fee amounts.
(2) Fees for all Active Duty Survivors and Medically Retired remain "frozen" at the rate in effect when they were classified and enrolled - as long as the policy remains active.

Note: Beneficiaries of these two categories enrolling during FY 2016 will pay the FY 2016 fee amount.

July 2015

Referrals are no longer required for...

Referrals are no longer required for annual routine eye exams and mammogram screenings for in-network providers. Call our Member Services team for the list of the providers to whom you may self refer.

July 2015

TRICARE policy was recently updated to include coverage for breast pumps. Manual and standard electric breast pumps are covered. Associated supplies, breast pump kits and breastfeeding counseling are included. This coverage is for all pregnant TRICARE beneficiaries. The policy also applies to beneficiaries who legally adopt and intend to personally breastfeed.

To get a breast pump and related supplies follow these steps:

Get a referral and prescription from your provider.

Go to the USFHP website and select Find A Provider. Choose Durable Medical Equipment and Supplies. Click on the Durable Medical Equipment link and then select Durable Medical Equipment in the Provider Type drop down menu.

Contact the DME provider and provide your prescription information.

If you pay out of pocket for a covered breast pump please submit a receipt for reimbursement. Call Member Services at 1 800-585-5883 for assistance if needed.

May 2015

Compound drugs are:
A combination of two or more drugs, prepared by a pharmacist for a patient’s individual needs.

The new rules will require that each ingredient in the compound:

Is covered by TRICARE

Is safe and effective

Doesn’t exceed the cost standard

Is being filled by a network pharmacy

Note - not all network pharmacies compound drugs

Many compounded drugs that have been covered in the past will no longer be covered.

Example of compounded drugs that could be covered:

If the compound drug—or any ingredient in it—doesn’t meet the coverage requirements
above, you can ask your doctor about:

Hormones creams

Pain creams

Basically any compound that contains a non-TRICARE covered active or inactive cream ingredient
(including bulk compounding powders and inactive bulk powders or bases). A covered drug that comes in tablet form but not liquid form and the patient cannot swallow tablets. If the pharmacist takes the covered tablet and compounds it into a liquid form this would be covered.

Keep in mind this is extremely rare as most medications now either come in liquid form or can be crushed or chewed. Note - coverage would not be granted if a liquid or chewable form is already covered by TRICARE as a non-compound.

If the compound drug or any ingredient in it doesn't meet the above coverage requirements, you may ask your doctor about:

Prescribing a TRICARE covered medication instead of a compound

Remove or substitute the non-covered ingredient with a TRICARE covered ingredient

If neither of these options are possible, your doctor can fill out a prior authorization form, but this does not guarantee coverage.

If the prior authorization is approved you can get the compound

If prior authorization is not approved then coverage will not be granted

April 2015

Did you know that USFHP-NW, in the Puget Sound area, grew over 30% over the past three (3) years? Are you interested in learning more about our enhanced access for our beneficiaries or our Quality and Patient Safety programs? Please view or download the document here.

April 2015

Eligible TRICARE beneficiaries currently can use BWE to update their personal information
and manage enrollments in TRICARE plans including USFHP, TYA, and TRICARE dental plans.
Recently, the Beneficiary Web Enrollment (BWE) website underwent several exciting changes
to make the site more user friendly. Among the new BWE enhancements are 24/7 availability,
greater security, and expanded user features to make managing benefit information easier.

February 2015

New TRICARE Prescription Copays Effective Feb 1, 2015

As a result of Federal legislation, pharmacy prescription copayments available through TRICARE, including US Family Health Plan, increase on February 1, 2015. Click here to get the details. Remember, your cost savings remain significant using our mail-order pharmacy and by selecting generic medications!

Pacific Medical Centers (PacMed) is changingthe hospital it uses for inpatient care. The care will move from Virginia Mason to Swedish Medical Center, and it will happen over the next few months. For detailed information and FAQs please click here.

Committee names USFHP as Important Example of Population Health Management
The Final Report of the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission calls the U.S. Family Health Plan (USFHP) “An important example” of how to use “non-price tools to manage patient care.” Click here to read the press release in full.

February 2015

Lakewood Pediatric Associatesis new in our network. Use ourProvider Searchtool.

February 2015

As a result of Federal legislation, pharmacy prescription copayments available through TRICARE, including US Family Health Plan, increase on February 1, 2015. Click here to get the details. Remember, your cost savings remain significant using our mail-order pharmacy and by selecting generic medications! Want more information? Visit TRICARE.mil for more details.

February 2015

Pacific Medical Centers (PacMed) is changing the hospital it uses it uses for inpatient care.
The care will move from Virginia Mason to Swedish Medical Center, and it will happen over the
next few months. The reason for this change is that PacMed is consolidating its strategic
partnerships. We will closely work with PacMed to make sure the care of affected members is not
interrupted. USFHP members who use other medical groups in the USFHP network will not be
affected by this change. They will continue to be hospitalized as directed by their PCP.

Pacific Medical Centers is making this change to consolidate its strategic partnerships.
It will help PacMed streamline its services. US Family Health Plan will work closely with
PacMed to make sure the care of affected members will not interrupted.

January 2015

The Final Report of the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission

calls the U.S. Family Health Plan (“USFHP”) “An important example” of how to use “non-price"

tools to manage patient care.” The commission recommends the US Family Health Plan continue
to be among the health care choices available to military families in a new OPM-administered program. Click here to read the USFHP Alliance press release.

December 2014

November 2014

September 2014

This service is available to our members living in North Snohomish County, Kitsap, Pierce, and Thurston County. Questions? Call Member Services at 800-585-5883.

September 2014

New Provider Group in our Network

Welcome Harrison HealthPartners to our provider network! HHP is a multi-specialty medical group with 7 clinics providing Primary Care to communities mainly throughout Kitsap county and its neighboring counties. To search for an HHP provider, click on Find a Provider on our homepage.

September 2014

Kids are back to school!

Check out our checklist for parents, helping you keep up with annual physicals, eye-exams, and vaccinations. Access here.

August 2014

TRICARE HEALTH & WELLNESS NEWS

Tobacco use can cause heart disease, lung disease, and cancer. It can also increase your chances for hospitalizations, missed workdays, failed fitness evaluations and impaired night vision. Knowing these facts, you may want to quit. But quitting can be hard.. Here are four ways to break the cycle.

March 2014

We would like to inform you that the Department of Defense (DOD) is proposing to consolidate the various TRICARE plan options –TRICARE Prime, Extra, Standard, and other TRICARE plans. The intent is to merge all these options into one consolidated plan. Among the changes are an increase of costs affecting most of the beneficiaries – Active Duty Family members are exempt. We invite you to access the provided detailed information with links to government agencies' websites.

November 2013: "Quit Smoking" Month

Nov 14, 2013

World Diabetes Day for 2013

Pacific Medical Centers is proud to be one of a dozen buildings and monuments in the Puget Sound region that will be lit in blue the evening of Thursday, November 14th, as part of the annual World Diabetes Day “Blue Monument Challenge.” The event raises awareness for diabetes by lighting monuments and buildings blue throughout the world. We join over 300 global icons including Pacific Science Center and Century Link Field locally, and the Empire State Building and the Great Wall of China globally, to mark the event by going blue.

Our support of this event is an example of our continued commitment to raise awareness of the fight against this debilitating disease that affects nearly 500,000 people in Washington State and 220 million people around the world. We also provide services internally such as diabetes support groups and nutrition classes to provide our patients with the education and tools they need to create healthful lifestyle changes and live their best life.

If you’re in the city and have time, be on the look-out for the other facilities in blue!

For more information or to view pictures of this inspiring global initiative, click here.

Nov 1, 2013

USFHP has achieved a 2013 overall Member Satisfaction Rating of 92.5 percent

The US Family Health Plan, for eligible military beneficiaries in six regions of the United States, has achieved a 2013 overall member satisfaction rating of 92.5 percent, far surpassing the satisfaction rates of other managed care plans for 19 consecutive years.

The national benchmark for member satisfaction with their health plan is 65.2 percent, as calculated by The Myers Group (of Duluth, Ga.) -- a National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) certified survey vendor -- and based on 203 Commercial Audit Survey results which were submitted to the NCQA in 2013. Compared with those 203 health plans, the US Family Health Plan is in the 99th percentile for overall member satisfaction. Customer service and the ability to get needed care have been substantiated as among the key drivers of the US Family Health Plan's consistently high member satisfaction rating.

The independent assessment of 5,106 US Family Health Plan members was conducted by The Myers Group utilizing the most widely used set of metrics in the managed care industry, the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS®) 5.0H Survey, to measure performance on key dimensions of care and service.

Click here to read the October 2013 Press Release from the US Family Health Plan Alliance, Arlington, Va.

Oct 17, 2013

TRICARE statement on End of Government Shutdown

Effective today, all TRICARE operations have returned to a normal state of affairs.

TRICARE beneficiaries should encounter no disruptions of their medical benefits anymore.

USFHP members were not affected by the shutdown at any time. Our commitment to

Oct 1, 2013

TRICARE statement about Government Shutdown

US Family Health Plan would like to assure its members that while the government shutdown may impact some areas of the Military Health System , US Family Health Plan members will not be affected. We remain committed to delivering the high level of service US Family Health Plan members expect.

Oct 1, 2013

It's that time: Get Your Flu Shot!

Each year, the flu affects millions of men, women and children. Flu season usually begins in October, so now is a great time to protect yourself and your family by getting vaccinated. The flu shot is easy and inexpensive – often free – for TRICARE beneficiaries, and this year the flu vaccine offers even more protection.

Sep 26, 2013

Spouses of retirees and active-duty service members E-5 and above. If their application is received on or before the 20th, their enrollment will take effect on the 1st of the next month. The spouse must be enrolled in DEERS and have a Military ID card.

Spouses of active-duty service members E-4 and below. They can be enrolled retroactively. This can be done until December 31, 2013. Enrollment can be backdated. It can be dated the latter of June 26, 2013, or the date the spouse first shows up as eligible in DEERS. Enrollment after December 31, 2013, will follow the 20th of the month rule, above.

Feb 19, 2013

February 1, 2013 a change in copayments for military health plans will take effect. All military health plans will see this change occur. Read More »

Feb 15, 2013

Reduction in TRICARE Prime service areas and USFHP

Recently announced reports of reductions in TRICARE Prime service areas will not affect US Family Health Plan or its benefits. Read More »

Feb 27, 2012

New Legislation Will Change USFHP Eligibility

The U.S. government recently passed an act that will affect US Family Health Plan. It will change who can join US Family Health Plan and how long new members can stay in the plan. The act is called the National Defense Authorization Act. Read More »

Oct 25, 2011

Military Beneficiaries Rate US Family Health Plan Among Highest in Nation for Member Satisfaction

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 25, 2011) — The US Family Health Plan, a Department of Defense health care option available to military family members in six areas across America, has achieved a 2011 aggregate member satisfaction rating of 91.4 percent — 42.8 percent higher than the national average for satisfaction with managed care plans, compared to the 216 plans documented in the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) 2011 Quality Compass Report. Read More »

Sep 30, 2011

New TRICARE Prime Enrollees Pay Adjusted Annual Fees

In accordance with changes authorized in February 2011, the Department of Defense announced today military retirees enrolling in TRICARE® Prime after Oct. 1, 2011, will begin paying an additional $2.50 per month for individual members and $5 per month for members and family. This change does not affect any retiree currently enrolled and only affects future enrollees. Active duty service members will continue to receive health care with no out of pocket costs. Click here to read the Enrollment Fee Fact Sheet. Read More »

Sep 19, 2011

In August 2011, a change was made to the prescription drug copayments for all military health plans. This change was approved by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. US Family Health plan members' prescription drug copayments will change effective October 1, 2011. Read More »

Mar 31, 2011

March, 2011: USFHP was featured in this month's edition of Managed Care magazine. "Few health plans have the benefit of tracking their members for decades, let alone an entire lifespan. US Family Health Plan (USFHP), one of three managed care plan options under TRICARE, the system that provides civilian health care benefits to military personnel, retirees, and their families, has used that unique advantage to pilot extraordinarily successful methods." Read More »

Feb 16, 2011

February 16, 2011: Because of our commitment to you, our beneficiaries, as well as to quality, sustainable health care, we want to make you aware of a provision in the proposed Defense Department budget for Fiscal Year 2012 that if implemented would impact future US Family Health Plan beneficiaries. Read More »

Nov 30, 2010

Patient-Centered Care Leads to 91 Percent Member Satisfaction Rate for US Family Health Plan

WASHINGTON, D.C. (11/30/2010) - While America continues to seek solutions to the need for low-cost, high-quality healthcare, a storied history of delivering patient-centered care to uniformed services families has helped garner exemplary member satisfaction ratings year after year for the US Family Health Plan. Read More »

Apr 03, 2010

TRICARE Meets Health Care Bill’s Standards, Gates Says

From the American Forces Press Service. WASHINGTON, March 22, 2010 – The Tricare military health plan meets the standards set by the health care reform bill the House of Representatives passed last night, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said Read More »

Jul 01, 2009

PacMed Among Top 100 Best Places to Work

SEATTLE (July 1, 2009) — Pacific Medical Centers (PacMed), which administers the US Family Health Plan, a comprehensive, Department of Defense-sponsored healthcare plan for military family members in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties, Washington, announced today Read More »

Dec 11, 2007

Health Plan for Local Military Families Ranks Among America’s Best

SEATTLE, WA (December 11, 2007) – Uniformed Services Family Health Plan (US Family Health Plan) at Pacific Medical Centers today announced a member-satisfaction survey that gives it one of the highest rankings in the United States and reveals its members as among the most loyal nationwide. The recent, independent survey of members gave the Plan an 88.8 percent overall satisfaction rating, well above the national average. Read More »

Mar 17, 2004

US Family Health Plan Enhances Service Areas, Facilities and Operations

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 17, 2004) – US Family Health Plan (www.usfhp.com ) today announced the implementation of several strategies that improve the availability of health care options to military beneficiaries. The Plan finalized the augmentation of services in several geographic areas, instigated new operational improvements and completed key renovation efforts to answer the needs of active-duty personnel, retirees and their eligible family members. Read More »

Sep 16, 2003

Virginia Mason Named “Preferred Hospital Provider”

Pacific Medical Centers (formerly PacMed Clinics) is very pleased to announce that Virginia Mason Medical Center, one of the nation's premier hospitals, will be its preferred hospital provider starting in December 2003. Read More »

Aug 09, 2003

US Family Health Plan Now Available in Marysville!

US Family Health Plan members may now access primary care services in Marysville. Through a unique partnership with the Medalia Marysville center, members have guaranteed access to skilled civilian providers right in the neighborhood. You will still receive the high quality care you expect from US Family Health Plan providers. For more information, call 1-888-95-USFHP. Read More »

Jul 23, 2003

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 23, 2003) - US Family Health Plan today reports 2003 member satisfaction ratings of 88 percent, which for the tenth straight year, is significantly higher than the national average for health plans as reported by the National Committee for Quality Assurance. Demonstrated by member testimonials and the latest survey results, US Family Health Plan remains a viable and stable TRICARE Prime option available to families of active-duty military, retirees and their eligible family members across the United States. Read More »

Jul 03, 2003

US Family Health Plan Offers Members Efficient Access to Plan Information through the Web site

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 03, 2003) – The Uniformed Services Family Health Plan (US Family Health Plan) today announces the availability of new member service tools online at www.usfhp.com. Enhancements to the Web site feature a variety of interactive elements including doctor search tools, access to updated Plan information and educational resources for members. Read More »

Jun 17, 2003

Family Members of Active Duty Reservists Now Eligible for Healthcare Benefits from US Family Health Plan

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 17, 2003) – The Uniformed Services Family Health Plan (US Family Health Plan) announces the eligibility of activated reservists' family members for healthcare benefits—effective immediately. A TRICARE Prime option, US Family Health Plan is available to families of active-duty military, retirees and their eligible family members in six geographic service areas across the United States. Read More »

US Family Health Plan

US Family Health Plan is a TRICARE Prime® option. It is a permanent part of the Military Health System.